According to the Sunday Express, the sale of the unpredictable Mario Balotelli has paved the way for Manchester City to make a big money signing in the summer.

Man City boss Roberto Mancini has expressed that to sign the right man in the summer the work has to be carried out now, the newspaper claims.

Missed out

Mancini knows how much work a transfer takes after missing out of Robin van Persie last summer, who moved to rivals Manchester United.

Mancini told the newspaper: “We need to work now so it’s not like last year,” and the City gaffer reportedly blames the club’s football administration officer Brian Marwood, who acted too late in signing van Persie.

The Italian explained why deals done early are more productive.

He added: “If you wait until May it can be impossible because all the good players are gone.”

World class

The Sunday Express suggests that City are towards some world class strikers to replace Balotelli, such as Edison Cavani, Radamel Falcao and Luis Suarez.

Now, manager Mancini will have talks with his director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who is in charge of transfers, to enhance their chances of getting the right man to Eastlands.

There is a big hole in the City strike force now Balotelli has gone.

They will have to make sure their next attacker does not have such a problematic effect on the team.

About the Author

Robbie Lawther - I am a West Ham fan, and student at Cardiff University. I am an aspiring Sports Journalist, and want to share my views to the footballing world